Comparison between manual vs electric powered toothbrush by using the PCR index in paediatric dentistry

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Oral Hygiene Research

Background:

• Effective plaque removal is crucial for preventing pediatric dental caries.
• Assessing the comparative efficacy of different toothbrushing methods and instructional strategies is essential for optimizing oral hygiene practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the biofilm removal efficacy of electric versus manual toothbrushes in children.
• To evaluate the impact of individualized operator instructions on plaque index reduction.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 55 pediatric patients participated.
• Plaque index was measured using a plaque detector before and after brushing.
• The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to analyze pre- and post-brushing plaque indices and compare brushing methods.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant correlation was observed between individualized instructions and a lower plaque index.
• No significant difference in biofilm removal effectiveness was found between electric and manual toothbrushes.

Conclusions:

• Individualized oral hygiene instructions are effective in improving plaque control in pediatric patients.
• Both electric and manual toothbrushes demonstrate comparable efficacy in plaque removal when used by children in this study.